The Argonauts

ACTUS PRIMUS Lightly—a maiden’s pleasure-wandering Through lilied fields a summer’s afternoon. PELIAS. The Gods give strength! I pray them send thee back Safe to this throne. JASON, I will not see thy face Ever again until the quest be won. Rule thou with justice in my sacred seat Until I come again. PELIAS, The Gods thy speed. MEN. The hardy hero goes to find The living Fleece of Gold; Or else, some death may chance to bind Those limbs of manly mould. In sooth, I doubt if I shall earn The singer’s fee for his return. PELIAS. Think now—I feared that.fool. It must be true That guilt is timorous. Ay! when danger’s none! Let but swords flash—and guilt grows God for might! Indeed I rule—until he come again. Ay, when the stars fall, Jason shall be king! EXPLICIT ACTUS PRIMUS. c 17